Request for Designation as a Problem Solving (IA) Course in Explorations
Name__Bill Myers______
Course number and title___PL 241 Introduction to Logic______
Departmental endorsement______yes______
Has this course been submitted for any other Explorations designation? __Yes______
If so, which one? _QA__
Please list which of your course assignments or activities addresses each of the guidelines, state briefly how this is accomplished, and attach a syllabus or a preliminary redesign plan for the course.
Assignments:
Daily Homework: This will show that the students are making progress in the particular area we are covering at the time. The homework relates directly to type of formal analysis that we are covering at the time. Given that we will cover at least five modes of interpretive analysis, the students will do the homework problems relevant to each of these modes. The homework is due for each class period, thus ensuring that the students are equipping themselves with the conceptual tools necessary for such analysis.
Exams: There are three exams in course. The first exam tests the students’ grasp on interpretive analysis regarding informal logic, in identifying arguments, argument forms, using the counterexample method, and identifying premises and conclusions. All of this is essential to interpretive analysis in informal logic. The second exam covers categorical propositions, along with the attendant tools of conversion, obversion, and contraposition. It also covers categorical propositions and all of the analytical tools involved in their analysis, including Venn diagrams and logical analysis according to the five formal fallacies (to wit: Undistributed Middle; Illicit major, Illicit minor; exclusive premises; one negative statement; and the existential fallacy). This exam also covers the interpretive tool of using truth functional symbolization to interpret the truth values of propositions as well as using truth tables to determine the consistency of groups of statements, of classifying statement types, and of using the truth table method to determine the validity of arguments. The third exam consists of students demonstrating the ability of using the method of natural deduction to show their felicity at this particular method of interpretive analysis.
Criteria for problem solving courses include the use of a formal method of interpretation/analysis
Logic is, by its nature, a formal method of analysis, specifically a method for analyzing arguments. This course introduces students to methods of identifying arguments, testing arguments for validity and cogency, and for evaluating the results of those analyses.
- that can be applied to discrete problems/goals and
Again, this is the nature of logic. We learn tools of analysis that are then applied to specific problems. The different systems will have different goals, but all of the systems address discrete problems. For example, the students will learn to put a categorical syllogism into standard form, to symbolize that argument, and to analyze the argument (test for validity) using a Venn diagram.
- that require students to apply that method in specific ways.
All of the tools of analysis learned in the class are applied in specific ways. To expand on the above point, we also learn the method of natural deduction. But before students can learn natural deduction, they must learn how to symbolize arguments using statements letters and truth functional connectives. Once symbolized, they can then apply the method of natural deduction to prove the validity of the argument.
Return this form as one electronic file with a syllabus appended to by 30 May 2011.
Introduction to Logic, PL 241
Dr. Bill Myers
Office: HC 222
Phone: 226-4868
Course Description:
This course is a basic introduction to logic. Time permitting, we will cover some basic concepts, informal fallacies, categorical syllogisms, truth tables and propositional logic. This course does not fulfill the philosophy/religion requirement for general education. It does count in the second level general education requirement (additional arts/humanities), and it is a requirement for philosophy majors.
Texts:
A Concise Introduction to Logic, 10th ed., by Patrick Hurley. Wadsworth, 2010. Also be aware that I will post handouts and practice tests on my web page. Our class page address is: You may also download Logic Coach 10, which is linked to the web syllabus. It can be very useful!
Requirements:
Daily homework:20%
Exam one:25%
Exam two:25%
Exam three:30%
Attendance:
Attendance will be taken every class period. Attendance is expected and, as you will soon see, necessary in order for you to do well in this class. While this class does not have a set attendance policy, missing class is not in your best interest.
Tardy policy:
This class is scheduled to begin at 9:30 and, given that we are on a tight schedule, it is essential that class begin on time. In addition, habitual tardiness is irresponsible, rude, and disruptive. To discourage it, your final course grade will be reduced by one point for each instance of tardiness beyond the first two instances. No excuses will be accepted. You have two—use them judiciously
Make up exams and homework:
My policy regarding makeup exams is quite simple. I do not give them. If you miss an exam, you make a zero on that exam. The only possible exception to this rule is if arrangements are made prior to the exam period. But, even then, this exception is only granted in extraordinary circumstances. DO NOT MISS EXAMS!!! The same basic rule applies to homework. If you do not turn in your homework by the time it is taken up in class, it will not count. It is always acceptable to turn it in early, but this must be done before class. If, after class, I find your homework slid under my door (or anywhere else), it will not count. Note that your lowest homework score will be dropped.
Classroom rules:
Two rules for the sake of courtesy: First, eating is not allowed in our classroom—it is rude and distracting. Don’t bring food to class. Second, turn off your cell phone. If I hear your cell phone ring, vibrate, or otherwise make its presence known, you will be immediately dismissed from class and counted absent for that day.
Honor Code:
You will, of course, be expected to abide by the Honor Code in regard to all of your assignments. Regarding exams, it is acceptable and even encouraged that you study with one another. Collaborating on homework is also encouraged. However, come exam times, your work must be your own. Blatant violations of the honor code will result in your failing this class
TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE
9/2:Course introduction and general information
9/7:1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 (Identifying arguments)
9/9:1.4-1.5 (Classifying arguments)
9/14:3.1-3.2 (Fallacies)
9/16:3.2-3.3 (Fallacies
9/21:3.4 (Fallacies)
9/23:3.5 (Fallacies)
9/28:review
9/30:exam 1
10/5:4.1, 4.2, and 4.3 (Categorical propositions)
10/7:4.4 & 5.1 (Symbolizing categorical syllogisms)
10/12:5.2 (Venn diagrams)
10/19:5.3 & 6.1 (Symbolization in propositional logic)
10/21:6.1 & 6.2 (Truth functional operators)
10/26:6.3-6.4 (Truth tables)
10/28:6.4-6.5 (Indirect truth tables)
11/2:review
11/4:exam 2
11/9:7.1 (Natural deduction, rules of derivation)
11/11:7.2 (More rules of derivation)
11/16:7.3 (Rules of replacement)
11/18:7.4 (More rules of replacement)
11/23:7.4 continued, and much practice
11/30:7.5 (Conditional Proofs)
12/2:7.6 (Indirect Proofs)
12/7:catch up and review
12/13:exam 3, 9-12